Campbell’s (CPB) Slashes Its Dividend To Fund A Brutal Reset

On September 3, Campbell Soup Company (CPB) announced a significant dividend cut during its fiscal fourth-quarter 2026 earnings call. The company's sales and profits had declined sharply, and management outlined a multiyear plan to rebuild the business amid a challenging environment. CEO Mick Beekhuizen highlighted the growth of the cooking side of the soup business, which now accounts for over half of Meals & Beverages retail sales.

To achieve cost savings, the company set a $500 million target through fiscal 2030, including $350 million in new cuts. The company also raised prices on about 60% of its portfolio by 4% to 5%. However, the quarter was difficult, with net sales falling 8% to $2.137 billion, adjusted EBIT declining 25% to $242 million, and adjusted EPS dropping to $0.39 from $0.62.

Full-year sales were down 5% to $9.744 billion, and operating cash flow slipped to $1.039 billion from $1.131 billion. The snacks business, in particular, faced challenges, with organic sales falling 6% and operating earnings dropping 34%. The company took a $117 million impairment charge on its Kettle Brand and Cape Cod trademarks, acknowledging the declining value of the salty snacks business.

Looking ahead, Campbell's guidance for fiscal 2027 predicts organic sales down 4% to 2% and gross margins down 50 to 100 basis points, with inflation expected to remain high. Despite the market's cautious stance, with the stock trading at a forward P/E of just 12.25, some institutional investors have increased their holdings in the company.